Hold &amp; spin feature game with mystery symbols

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine provides a base game from which a feature game is triggered when a determined number of configurable symbols are displayed in a base game outcome. When the feature game is triggered, the configurable symbols are held in place on the display and the player is provided with more spins during the feature game in which to collect additional configurable symbols. Any additional configurable symbols are retained on the display during subsequent spins until the feature game is completed. The configurable symbols include mystery symbols whose value is not determined until the mystery symbol is displayed. A first valuation game, such as a wheel spin, is used to determine the value for the mystery symbols. At the end of the feature game, the player is awarded a prize based on the values carried by the configurable symbols. A second valuation game, such as a wheel spin, is used to provide an enhanced award if the player collects a determined number of configurable symbols during the feature game.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/543,245, filed Aug. 9, 2017, and entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD OF PROVIDING A FEATURE GAME” (Attorney Docket No. 61882US01(P05204)), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/553,971, filedSep. 4, 2017, and entitled “GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING”(Attorney Docket No. 61923US01 (P05228)), and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/658,325, filed Apr. 16, 2018, and entitled “GAMINGMACHINE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FEATURE GAME” (Attorney Docket No.63227US01 (P05444)), which are all hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjackgames, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games that are frequentlyoffered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involvesa player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or anotherform of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the creditbalance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of aprimary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondarygames or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination ortriggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide anopportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots,progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically addedback to the credit balance and can be provided to the player uponcompletion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines)through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for readyidentification by the player. Matching combinations and theircorresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which isavailable to the player for reference. Often, the player may varyhis/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amountbet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alterthe frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number ofsecondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

Typical wagering games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomlydetermine the outcome of each game. The wagering game is designed toreturn a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player(RTP =return to player) over the course of many plays or instances ofthe game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring thefairness of the games and are, therefore, highly regulated. Uponinitiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome andsymbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably,some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player andare, therefore, not entirely random.

In existing gaming systems, feature games, secondary or bonus games, maybe triggered for players in addition to the base game. A feature gamegives players an additional opportunity to win prizes, or theopportunity to win larger prizes, than would otherwise be available inthe base game. Feature games can also offer altered game play to enhanceplayer enjoyment.

The popularity of such gaming machines with players is heavily dependenton the entertainment value of the machine relative to other gamingoptions and the player's gambling experience. Operators of gamingbusinesses therefore strive to provide the most entertaining, engaging,and exciting machines to attract customers to use the machines whilealso providing a machine that allows the player to enjoy their gamblingexperience. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for gaming machinemanufacturers to develop new games in order to maintain or increaseplayer enjoyment.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to gaming machines andelectronic gaming methods in which a feature game may be triggeredduring play of a base game.

In an embodiment, a video slot machine includes a base game and afeature game that may be triggered by the base game.

In some embodiments, the base game may use a plurality of symbol displaypositions arranged in a matrix or an array of rows and columns. In someembodiments, the columns may be reels that spin and stop to populate thedisplay matrix with game symbols.

In some embodiments, the symbols appearing in the display positions canproduce a scatter pay award. In some embodiments, the scatter pay awardmay be based on the appearance of special symbols (“scatter symbols”) inthe display matrix. The particular symbols do not need to appear in anypredefined order or orientation relative to the symbol positions of thearray.

In response to the appearance of the special symbols to form a scatterpay award, a scatter pay bonus feature may be conducted to determine theamount of the award to the player.

In some embodiments, the appearance of a number, such as six (6) ormore, of special symbols in a base game outcome in the display matrixwill trigger the scatter pay bonus feature.

In an embodiment, the special symbols may include configurable symbolsthat have at least a common component and a variable component, whereinthe variable component is indicative of a value of a prize that isassociated with a respective configurable symbol.

In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include value symbols,which each display a respective numeric value, e.g., a number of creditsor currency.

In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include jackpotsymbols, which each display the name of a particular jackpot, e.g., aMINI jackpot, MINOR jackpot, MAXI jackpot, MAJOR jackpot or GRANDjackpot. In some embodiments, at least some of the jackpots may havefixed values. In some other embodiments, at least some of the jackpotsmay be progressive jackpots whose value increases for each wager that isplaced on a base game by the amount proportional to said wager.

In various embodiments, a predetermined number of spins are awarded tothe player in the scatter pay bonus feature. In some embodiments, thescatter pay bonus feature game may be a Hold & Spin feature game whereall of the configurable symbols are held in place in the display matrixfor the predetermined number of spins and the symbols in the remainingsymbol positions are spun. The spin of symbols in the remaining symbolpositions may be accomplished by individual reel strips. The resultingspin may produce additional configurable symbols which are, in turn,added to the “hold” symbols and remain fixed for any remaining spins.After the predetermined number of spins are completed, the sum totalvalue of all “hold” symbols is awarded to the player.

In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include repeatersymbols whose value is not determined until a feature game is triggered.In an embodiment, the value of the repeater symbol is generated based onthe value(s) of one or more of the configurable symbols that trigger arespective feature game. In an embodiment, the value of the repeatersymbol is determined by summing the values of the configurable symbolsthat trigger a respective feature game. For example, in an instancewhere a feature game is triggered by configurable symbols having valuesof 10 credits, 10 credits, 10 credits, 20 credits, 20 credits, 50credits, 40 credits, and the repeater symbol's value would be 160credits. Any repeater symbols that spin up during the ensuing featuregame would be set to 160 credits in this example.

In some embodiments, the value of the repeater symbols may change acrossfeature spins: i) at random, ii) according to defined table/order, iii)based upon results of a feature spin, iv) wager level, v) number ofinitiating feature initiating symbols, vi) number of symbols collectedin feature, vii) based upon the combined result of multiple players gameevents, wager level or other criteria across multiple linked gamingunits (i.e. progressive repeater value), and/or viii) any combination ofthe foregoing.

In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include mysterysymbols whose value is not revealed at the time the mystery symbol isdisplayed. In an embodiment, the value of a mystery symbol may bedetermined, e.g., randomly, and any time following its display. Themystery symbol may then be modified to display its determined value.

In some embodiments, mystery symbols may be displayed in connection withplay of both the base game and the feature game. Accordingly, in someembodiments, it is possible for a mystery symbol to be part of thedefined number of triggering symbols in a base game. For example, a basegame result could include a mystery symbol along with five otherconfigurable symbols. In such instance, the value of the mystery symbolmay be determined and displayed prior to determining the value of therepeater symbol. If additional mystery symbols are awarded during theassigned value ensuing feature game, the value could be assigned thissame value or other values may be separately determined.

In some embodiments, the value of a mystery symbol may be determined andawarded to the player during play of the base game if the base gameoutcome does not trigger the feature game. For example, assuming 6configurable symbols are required to trigger a feature game, theappearance of a mystery symbol in a base game outcome with fewer than 6configurable symbols may result in the award of the determined mysterysymbol value to the player even though the feature game would not betriggered.

In some embodiments, the awards assigned to mystery symbols may beselected from a set of awards that includes (1) credit values, e.g., 10credits, 20 credits, 50 credits, 100 credits, 500 credits, etc., (2)jackpot values, e.g., MINI, MINOR, MAXI, and GRAND, and/or (3) fixedprizes, e.g., cars, electronics, etc. In some embodiments, the awardsassigned to mystery symbols during the base and feature games may beselected from the same set of possible awards. In some otherembodiments, different sets of possible awards may be available duringthe base and feature games. For example, in some embodiments, themystery symbol awards may be limited to jackpot awards and/or fixedprizes during the base game, while the possible awards during thefeature game may also include credit values.

In some embodiments, a first valuation game may be provided to determinethe value of the mystery symbols. The first valuation game may be in theform of a first spinning wheel game, where a wheel spins and randomlystops to determine a value for one or more mystery symbols. The wheelmay include of a plurality of sections that each display a respectivevalue, such as a numeric value (e.g., a number of credits or currency),or jackpot label (e.g., mini, minor, major maxi, or grand) that isassociated with a jackpot amount (e.g., $50, $500, $1,000, $5,000,$10,000). The wheel may, for example, spin vertically or horizontallyacross a game screen forming part of the slot machine device.

In some embodiments, a single wheel spin may be used to determine thevalue for any displayed mystery symbols. For example, where thetriggering base game outcome has four value symbols and three mysterysymbols, the first valuation game is triggered. If the first valuationgame results in a value of $100, then each of the three mystery symbolsare converted from a question mark symbol to $100.

In other embodiments, the wheel may be separately spun for eachdisplayed mystery symbol. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the examplemay result in three wheel spins (one for each mystery symbol) during thefirst valuation game.

In various embodiments, the first valuation game may not display awheel, but instead may display the values in a different arrangementsuch as a reel, a grid, etc. In certain embodiments, the first valuationgame may not display a wheel, a reel, or values and instead may make arandom determination to select one value from a range or group of valuesand display the selected value and use it for the one or more mysterysymbols.

In various embodiments, one or more mystery symbols may be replaced witha sum of the values of symbols displaying a value.

In other embodiments, the value of the mystery symbols may be set inother ways. For example, a random event may cause a value to be set on amystery symbol. Also, there may be a player skill feature where theskill level of the player is determined or is based on particular dataregarding the particular player, and the value of the mystery symbol isset accordingly. Also, pick n′ pop may be used to set the value of themystery symbol.

Also, different levels of mystery symbols may be used, such that somelevels are of higher average values than others. For example, bluemystery symbols may use a blue wheel with lower average values and goldmystery symbols may use a gold wheel with higher average values.

The first valuation game may also be used to determine the value of anyadditional mystery symbols that are collected during the feature game.In some embodiments, the first valuation game may be triggered followingany spin that produces one or more new mystery symbols. Alternatively,the first valuation game may be conducted upon completion of the featuregame. As discussed above, a single spin may be used to determine thevalue of all newly awarded mystery symbols. Alternatively, individualspins may be conducted to separately determine the value of eachrespective mystery symbol.

In some embodiments, an enhanced award may be awarded if the displaymatrix is completely filled with configurable symbols during the Hold &Spin feature game. For example, in some embodiments, the enhanced awardmay be a multiplier, such as a 2× or 3× multiplier of the “hold”symbols, or an award of a jackpot value.

In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be determined using a secondvaluation game. The second valuation game may be a second spinning wheelgame that provides different and/or enhanced values from those used inthe first spinning wheel game. For example, the second spinning wheelgame may include multipliers (i.e. 2× or 3×) or multipliers withjackpots (i.e. 2× +Grand or 3×+ Major). The multiplier value indicatedby the spin of the second display wheel affects the sum total value ofall “hold” configurable symbols collected in the Hold & Spin game (i.e.“2×” will double the sum total value); the jackpot enhances the Hold &Spin award by the amount of the jackpot (i.e. $50, $500 or $5000 will beadded to the sum total value).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following description of embodimentsthereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which;

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming related servers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of anexemplary EGM.

FIG. 3 is a further block diagram showing various functional elements ofan embodiment of the game controller of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for an example embodiment of a process foroperating the EGM of FIG. 2 in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a representation of an exemplary screen of the feature game ofFIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are screenshots of an embodiment of the feature game ofFIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are screenshots of an embodiment of the feature game ofFIG. 4, showing one of the progressive jackpots being awarded;

FIGS. 8A to 8M are screen shots of another embodiment of a feature game.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are screenshots of first and second spinning wheel gamesthat may be employed in certain embodiments of the present disclosure;and

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a flow diagram for an example embodiment of aprocess for operating the EGM of FIG. 2 in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in thedrawings. It should be understood, however, that the present inventionis not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in theattached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there are shown example embodiments of gamingmachines having components which enable the implementation of a basegame from which a Hold & Spin feature game may be triggered.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system 100 in agaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g.,slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs,slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices 104A-104X mayalternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but notlimited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console,although such devices may require specialized software and/or hardwareto comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used forwagering or games of chance in which monetary awards are provided.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by acomputer on a remote server or over an online data network includingcommercial online service providers, Internet service providers, privatenetworks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gamingdevice such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of theother gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMsconnected to networks implemented with one or more of the differentserver computers 102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over a network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 154which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for aticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a RELM XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 127 comprising anumber (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbolsdisplayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped toshow a set of symbols within the gaming display area 127 which may beused to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 127. The main display 128 can be of a variety type, e.g.,high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat orcurved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventionalelectronically controlled video monitor. The main display 128 may be ofone or more various orientations (i.e., landscape or portrait), aspectratios and resolutions.

In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino-issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a creditticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems arewell known in the art and are used to generate and track uniquebar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players toavoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticketreader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on thegaming device 104A. The gaming machine 104A can have hardware meters forpurposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring theplayer credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters thatrecord the total amount of money wagered on the gaming machine, totalamount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amountof winnings on gaming device 104A.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146,and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering,and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A.In such embodiments, a game controller (not shown in FIG. 1) within thegaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking systemserver 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When abonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particularoutcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the feature game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of a baseor a primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodimentsof the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops andhave displays that face upwards.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that, where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in thegaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gamingdevice 104B does not include physical reels, but instead shows game playfunctions, such as virtual reels, on main display 128. An optionaltopper screen 140 may be used as a secondary or additional game displayfor bonus play to show game features or attraction activities while agame is not in play, or any other information or media desired by thegame designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 mayalso or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizesavailable to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor 154 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gamingdevice 104B. The main or service door 154 is typically used by servicepersonnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills andtickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The main or service door154 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade thesoftware, and for general maintenance operations.

Another example of gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape-stylemain display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, oralternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, main display 128Ais a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primarygame play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus gameplay, to show game features or attraction activities while the game isnot in play or any other information or media desired by the gamedesigner or operator. In some embodiments, example gaming device 104Cmay also include speakers 142 to output various audio such as gamesound, background music, etc.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3 gaming environments, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used toimplement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted inFIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 arecontrolled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in amemory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include oneor more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gamingdevice 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one ormore databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A randomnumber generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/orsoftware is typically used to generate random numbers that are used inthe operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are randomand meet regulations for a game of chance.

Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may begenerated on a remote gaming device such as a central determinationgaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but shown in FIG. 1). Thegame instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via a network 214 andthen displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute gamesoftware, such as, but not limited to, video streaming software thatallows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game isstored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from the memory 208 (e.g.,from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gamingsystem server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include randomaccess memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) or another form of storagemedia that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another formof a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sitsabove main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 mayalso house a number of other components which may be used to addfeatures to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other mediaor mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, aticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media ormechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and aplayer tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 mayinclude a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display),a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information toand from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling playertracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, player-input buttons 236 for player input, cabinetsecurity sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218,a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, eachcoupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player trackingsystem server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, forexample, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g., amountwagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative orqualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator mayreward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the playertracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activatefree play, and/or request various information. Player tracking orloyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

Gaming devices 200, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, are highlyregulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typicallydispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfysecurity and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardwareand software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X,200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers.Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming device 200 isnot simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirementsfor gaming device 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming device200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements,and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardwarecomponents and software.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming machine. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewsthe game outcome on one or more of the primary game display 240 andsecondary game display 242. Other game and prize information may also bedisplayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using a player interface, such as the player-inputbuttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen,or using some other device which enables a player to input informationinto the gaming device 200.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash-out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

While an example gaming device 200 has been described in regard to FIG.2, certain aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented bygaming devices that lack one or more of the above-described components.For example, not all gaming devices suitable for implementing aspects ofthe present disclosure necessarily include top boxes, informationpanels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems.Further, some suitable gaming devices may include a single game displayhaving mechanical reels or a video display. Moreover, other embodimentsmay be designed for bar tables and have displays that face upwards.

Many different types of wagering games, including mechanical slot games,video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno,bingo, and lottery, may be provided by the gaming device 200. Inparticular, the gaming device 200 may be operable to provide manydifferent instances of games of chance. The instances may bedifferentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, class 2 or class 3, etc.

The gaming device 200 may allow a player to select a game of chance,skill, or combination thereof, to play from a plurality of instancesavailable on the gaming device 200. For example, the gaming device 200may provide a menu with a list of the instances of games that areavailable for play on the gaming device 200 and a player may be able toselect, from the list, a game that they wish to play.

In FIG. 3, the processor 204 of game controller 202 of gaming device 200is shown implementing a number of modules based on game program code 206stored in memory 208. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate thatseveral of the modules could be implemented in some other way, forexample, by a dedicated circuit.

These modules include an outcome generator 322 which operates inresponse to the player's operation of player input buttons 236 to placea wager and initiate a play of the game and generates a game outcomewhich will then be evaluated by outcome evaluator 323. The first part offorming the game outcome is for a symbol selector 322A to select symbolsfrom a set of symbols specified by symbol data 342 using a random numbergenerator 321. The selected symbols are advised to the displaycontroller 325 which causes them to be displayed as a symbol display onprimary game display 240 at a set of display positions.

In certain embodiments, the symbol data 342 includes one or more virtualreels that correspond to one or more reels displayed by the primary gamedisplay 240. The virtual reels include an arrangement of symbolsselected from symbol data 342 in, for example, a predetermined or randommanner. The symbol selector 322A selects a stop position for the one ormore virtual reels based on one or more outcomes of the random numbergenerator 321. The stop position of the one or more reels thendetermines the symbols that are selected on the primary game display240.

In the embodiment described below, the display positions of the symboldisplay are arranged in a rectangular matrix comprising a plurality ofcolumns and a plurality of rows. However, in other arrangements known inthe gaming industry could be employed in embodiments of the invention.For example, in some arrangements, there are more symbols in somecolumns than in others, such as 3-4-3-4-3 arrangement of seventeendisplay positions corresponding to respective ones of five reels. Insuch arrangements, the columns of four symbols can be arranged so thatthey are off-set or staggered relative to the columns having two symbolsso that the middle two symbols in the columns of four symbols shareboundaries with two symbols of each neighboring reel.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment in which a feature gamemay be triggered from play of the base game at step 402. In thisembodiment, the base game comprises using symbol selector 422A to selecta plurality of symbols from a set of symbols to display at therespective display positions arranged on primary game display 240 atstep 404. The set of symbols, which are stored as symbol data 342 inmemory 208, comprises a plurality of configurable symbols andnon-configurable symbols.

In an embodiment, the configurable symbols each comprise at least acommon component and at least a variable component. The variablecomponent is indicative of a value of a prize that is associated witheach of the configurable symbols. An example of a configurable symbol isshown in FIGS. 6A-6C in the form of a pearl symbol. The common componentis the pearl itself 602, while the variable component is the indicia 604overlaying pearl 602. In this case, indicia are numerals directlyindicative of the value of the prize. In other embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the indicia indirectly indicate the value of the prize,such as “major” indicia 702, “minor” indicia 704 or “mini” indicia 706.It will be appreciated that the indicia can also be in other forms whichmay also be indicative of a prize. For example, the car icon indicatesthat the player has the opportunity to, or has, won a car. In someembodiments, the indicia may indicate only a portion of a prize.Continuing with the car example, the car icon may be split into fourportions, each portion being assigned to a different configurablesymbol. In such embodiments, all four portions of the car icon arerequired to be selected for display in order for the car prize to bewon.

In one embodiment, at least one value of the respective prizes isgenerated by randomly selecting one of a plurality of definedmultipliers that is applied to an amount wagered on the base game fromwhich the feature is game triggered. This is accomplished at step 406using value assigner 322C, which selects the predefined multipliers fromvalue data 344 using a value obtained from the random number generator(RNG) 321, applies the multiplier to the initial wager to obtain a prizevalue and assigns the prize value to each of the configurable symbolsselected by symbol selector 322A. The plurality of defined multipliersin this embodiment is selected at random according to a weightedprobability based at least in part on the amount wagered on the basegame. That is, the value assigner 322C obtains a value from RNG 321 anduses this to determine from the weighted table which value to assign toa configurable symbol. In an embodiment, the assignment of values to theconfigurable symbols is performed by the value assigner 322C after thesymbols have been selected and the game controller knows they will bedisplayed but before they are displayed on the display. In anotherembodiment, the assignment occurs after the symbols have been displayedon display 240. In an embodiment, values are assigned to allconfigurable symbols irrespective of whether they will be displayed.

In this or other embodiments, at least one value of the respectiveprizes may comprise a defined value and/or a jackpot. As used herein,the term “jackpot,” as opposed to “prize,” refers to a progressive prizewhich accumulates over multiple plays of the base game and/or thefeature game. As will be appreciated, the jackpot may be funded from avariety of sources including from only the gaming machine 200 itself, orfrom a plurality of gaming devices 200—a so-called “link”. Furthermore,the jackpot may be triggered by any means known in the art, such as byusing a mystery trigger or by using the Hyperlink™ system developed bythe applicant.

In another embodiment, the variable prizes may be randomly selectedunder the control of value assigner 322C from a set of available prizes.Specific prizes may be weighted so as to control the probability ofcertain prizes occurring. In some embodiments, there may be a pluralityof sets of prizes and the value assigner 322C may be configured tochoose the set of prizes from which values will be randomly selected onthe basis of a player's wager in the base game.

Returning to FIG. 4, at step 410, outcome evaluator 323 monitors play ofthe base game and determines whether a trigger event has occurred. Inthis embodiment, a trigger event occurs when six configurable symbolsappear on primary game display 240. If a trigger event has not occurred,play of the base game continues and control reverts to step 402 once anyawards are paid at step 408. However, if a trigger event does occur, thefeature game initiates by first holding the configurable symbols intheir respective display positions 524 at step 411. Outcome generator322 causes the feature game to be displayed on display 240 by retrievingsymbol data 342 from memory 208 and passing the data to displaycontroller 325 which controls display 240 to display the feature game.In other embodiments, more than or less than six symbols will berequired to trigger the feature game or the feature game will bemodified in a way that is proportional to the number of configurablesymbols that are displayed to trigger the feature game. For example, theaverage or total prize achievable in the feature game may be increasedin proportion to the number of configurable symbols appearing.

When the feature game starts, in various embodiments, the configurablesymbol counter 510 of FIG. 5 is set to the number of configurablesymbols that are held on reels 514-522 at step 412. In the preferredembodiment, this is also the number of configurable symbols whichoriginally triggered the feature game. That is, in this embodiment, theconfigurable symbol counter 510 is initially set to 6, as sixconfigurable symbols trigger the feature game. Alternatively, forexample, if seven configurable symbols are selected for display, butonly six are required for triggering the feature game, the configurablesymbol counter 510 may be initially set to seven.

Once configurable symbol counter 510 is set, control moves to step 414(FIG. 4) which sets free game counter 512 to the defined number of freegames. In an embodiment, the preferred number of free games is three, sofree game counter 512 is set to three. In other embodiments, the numberof free games may be more than or less than three, or may be derived bythe game controller from the number of configurable symbols that appear.For example, an additional free game may be offered for eachconfigurable symbol that appears in addition to a predefined minimum(for example, six) required to trigger the feature game.

Then, similar to the base game, the symbol selector 322A selects symbolsfrom symbol data 342 to be displayed in the other display positions 524not already displaying a configurable symbol via display controller 325at step 416. Note that in certain embodiments, symbols in the featuregame are selected from the full set of symbols defined by symbol data342, including any configurable symbols. In other embodiments, thesymbols may be selected from a reduced set of symbols taking intoaccount any configurable symbols already held. For example, in one ormore embodiments, only value symbols and blank symbols, i.e., a reelstrip position not having any symbol, may be used by the symbol selector322A. In an alternative embodiment, the symbols may be selected from anincreased set of symbols. For example, symbols may be purchased orotherwise awarded for addition to the reel strip prior to initiating thefeature game. If one or more configurable symbols are selected, valueassigner 322C assigns randomly selected values to each configurablesymbol.

Outcome evaluator 323 then monitors play of the feature game todetermine whether a configurable symbol is selected and displayed atstep 418. If a configurable symbol is not displayed, free game counter512 is decremented by a defined amount, such as one, at step 420. Inother embodiments, the free game counter 512 is decremented by anamount, such as one, regardless of whether a configurable symbol isdisplayed.

If there are a number of free games remaining as determined bycontroller 202 at step 422, control returns to step 416 to continue thefeature game. On the other hand, once the number of free games isdepleted, that is, when the free game counter 512 reaches zero, thefeature game ends and control returns to step 402 after any prizes arepaid at step 428. In one embodiment, the accumulated value of all theindividual prizes as indicated by the variable components of thecollected configurable symbol is paid at step 428.

Returning to step 418, if outcome evaluator 323 determines that at leastone configurable symbol is displayed on reels 514-522, then that symbolis held on the reel, at step 423, and the configurable symbol counter510 is incremented at step 424. Outcome evaluator 323 then checkswhether a defined number of configurable symbols has been displayed onreels 514-522 at step 426 and, if the defined number has been reached, ajackpot is paid at step 428.

The defined number of configurable symbols required to trigger a jackpotin certain embodiments is fifteen. That is, in certain embodiments inwhich a game is implemented using a 5×3 matrix, configurable symbolsmust be selected and displayed in all the matrix positions of reels514-522. In other embodiments, the defined number may be more than orless than fifteen. For example, in a 3-4-3-4-3 matrix configuration asdiscussed above, the number of configurable symbols required to fill allmatrix positions would be 17. In yet other embodiments, not all of thematrix positions need to necessarily be filled, and the number ofconfigurable symbols required may be determined randomly.

In the above embodiments, the feature game ends when the Grand jackpot502 is triggered at step 426. In other embodiments, the feature gamedoes not necessarily end at this point. In such embodiments, one or moreof reels 514-522 are configured to expand and display additionalconfigurable or non-configurable symbols when configurable symbolcounter 510 reaches the defined number. For example, a game implementedusing a 5×3 matrix may expand to a different configuration such as a3-4-3-4-3 configuration. In such embodiments, a prize in addition to theGrand jackpot 502 is paid if configurable symbols are also selected fordisplay in those additional positions.

Alternatively, if outcome evaluator 323 determines that the definednumber of configurable symbols has not been reached at step 426, thefeature game continues. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each time aconfigurable symbol is displayed and the jackpot is not won, free gamecounter 512 is reset to the initial quantity by returning control tostep 414, which in this embodiment is three as noted above. Therefore,the number of free games awarded by the outcome evaluator 323 isindefinite and is not determined by a defined limit.

In this or other embodiments, if no configurable symbols appear on reels514-522 in any of the free games initially awarded, free games counter512 is reset. Such embodiments ensure the player is guaranteed to win aprize over and above the prize payable for triggering the feature game.

In the above embodiments, the jackpot paid in response to configurablesymbol counter 510 reaching the defined threshold is Grand prize 502.The Grand prize in this embodiment is a linked jackpot which receivescontributions from a plurality of linked gaming machines and incrementedbased on the turnover of the linked machines. A linked jackpot may be asingle site progressive (SSP), a multiple site progressive (MSP) or awide area progressive (WAP). In some embodiments, a lower threshold ofconfigurable symbols may be required for Major prize 504, Minor prize506 or Mini prize 508 to be won. Alternatively or additionally, as bestshown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, Major, Minor and Mini prizes may be paid byassignment of those prizes to one of the configurable symbols, such as“major” indicia 702, “minor” indicia 704 or “mini” indicia 706.

Note that in some embodiments, one or all of the Grand prize 502, Majorprize 504, Minor prize 506 and Mini prize 508 may all be implemented asjackpots, as fixed bonus amounts that do not increment or as a mixtureof both. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A to 7B, as noted above, Grandprize 502 is implemented as a linked progressive jackpot, while Majorprize 504 is implemented as a stand-alone progressive (SAP) jackpotwhich only takes contributions from the gaming machine itself,incrementing the jackpot as a function of turnover. Minor prize 506 andMini prize 508 are implemented as fixed bonus amounts in proportion tothe initial bet wagered. In some embodiments, Grand prize 502 may alsobe implemented as a SAP or the Major prize 504 may also be implementedas a linked jackpot.

This embodiment implements Grand prize 502 and Major prize 504 asjackpots and, while both may be awarded simultaneously, neither can beawarded more than once in the same feature game. However, in otherembodiments, either jackpot may be won multiple times within the samefeature game. In such embodiments, players are awarded a seed value(i.e. reset value) of the jackpot for subsequent triggers of that samejackpot.

As embodiments of the feature game described above automatically adjustawards based on turnover and proportionality to the initial wager, thisinvention is particularly suited to variable denomination games.Therefore, in some embodiments, controller 202 allows player selectionof the minimum bet denomination. For example, before play of the game,controller 202 causes display controller 325 to output a message ondisplay 240 requesting the player to select a minimum bet denomination.The player makes a selection through the game play mechanism 56 inresponse to which controller 202 adjusts the amount contributed to Grandprize 502 and Major prize 504 and the magnitude of Minor prize 506 andMini prize 508 . Controller 202 also adjusts the weightings of thevalues in value data 344 from which value assigner 322C may assign tothe configurable symbols. In one embodiment, there are fourdenominations available for selection, 1c, 2c, 5c and 10c. Those skilledin the art would appreciate that the denominations are not limited tofour, but can include any suitable amount in any given currency. Notealso that in this embodiment, while the selected denomination affectsthe magnitude of the Minor prize 506 and Mini prize 508, it does notaffect the magnitude of the Grand prize 502 and Major prize 504.

EXAMPLES

More specific examples of embodiments of the invention are now describedwith reference to FIGS. 6A to 7B. In general, as shown in these Figures,the embodiment has a traditional 3×5 grid layout, and is referred to inthe examples below as the “Hold & Spin” feature.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the Hold & Spin feature is triggered when six (6)pearl symbols 602 are selected for display. When triggered, pearls 602are held in their respective display positions, being all of column 1,column 2 rows 1 and 2 and column 5 row 1, and the controller 202 waitsfor a player instruction to initiate the game through player inputbuttons 236. In some embodiments, controller 202 will wait indefinitelywhile in other embodiments, controller 202 will wait for a predefinedperiod of time before automatically initiating the game.

At this point, configurable symbol counter 510 is set to 6, and theplayer is guaranteed to win the accumulated value as indicated by theindicia 604 of the six pearls 602. That is, even before play of Hold &Spin starts, the player has won 4,300 credits in the embodiment of FIG.6A.

Moving on to FIG. 6B, the player has spun an additional four (4) pearls602. Accordingly, configurable symbol counter 510 is incremented from 6to 10 and free games counter 512 is reset to the initial quantity, whichis 3 feature games in this embodiment. As compared to FIG. 6A, theadditional pearls 602 are selected for display at display positionsC2R3, C3R1, C4R3 and C5R2, and are also held at those positions for thesubsequent games. In various embodiments, instead of resetting the freegames counter to the initial quantity, the free games counter isdecremented by one for every spin that does not result in additionalconfigurable symbols being displayed, and does not decrement by one whenadditional configurable symbols are displayed.

Over the remaining feature games, the player spins only an additionalone (1) pearl 602, displayed at C4R1, as shown in FIG. 6C. Accordingly,the free games end and the player wins the accumulated value of thevalues indicated on pearls 602. In this case, the total award is the4,300 credits for the six (6) pearls 602 that originally triggered theHold & Spin game, plus the additional five (5) pearls 602 selectedduring play of the Hold & Spin game—5,800 credits. In this embodiment,the accumulated award is totaled at the end of the Hold & Spin game andfirst transferred to the win meter 608 before being transferred to thecredit meter 610 by the controller 202. Meter data 348 is adjustedaccordingly before the next game can be initiated at step 402. Inalternative embodiments, the accumulated award may bypass the win meterand be credited directly to the credit meter.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples showing the jackpots being won. In FIG. 7A,value assigner 322C has assigned “Major” indicia 702 to pearl 602, whichhas been selected for display at C4R1. This triggers Major prize 504which, in one embodiment, is paid directly into credit meter 610 ratherthan first into win meter 608. That is, jackpot wins may be paidimmediately when they are won rather than being accumulated at the endof the Hold & Spin game as per the other prizes described above. Thus inthe FIG. 7A embodiment, Major jackpot 504 is paid when the associatedpearl 602 is selected, while the remaining 4,000 credits will beaccumulated and paid at the completion of the feature game, in additionto any new pearls 602 that are selected and displayed in the remainingfree games. In alternative embodiments, the Major jackpot may beaccumulated at the end of the feature game along with the other 4,000credits, and the accumulated total may be paid first into win meter 608or directly into credit meter 610.

FIG. 7B shows Grand jackpot 502 being triggered, as fifteen (15) pearls602 have been selected for display in the matrix by the end of thefeature game. Again, the Grand prize 502 is first accounted for and paiddirectly into credit meter 610, and the remaining prizes indicated byindicia 604 on pearls 602 are then accumulated and paid into win meter608 before being transferred to credit meter 610. Therefore, in thisFIG. 7B embodiment, the total winnings is made up of the initial Grandjackpot 502, plus 63,000 credits indicated by indicia 604 and Minorprize 506 and Mini prize 508 indicated by “Minor” indicia 704 and “Mini”indicia 706. Again, in alternative embodiments, the Grand jackpot may beaccumulated at the end of the feature game along with the other 63,000credits, Minor prize 506 and Mini prize 508, and the accumulated totalmay be paid first into win meter 608 or directly into credit meter 610.In various embodiments, since all available symbol display positionsdisplay the configurable symbols, i.e., pearls, at the end of thefeature game, an additional prize such as a multiplier may be applied.The multiplier may be predetermined, such as a 2× multiplier, orrandomly determined.

In another example, the configurable symbols may only be provided duringpart of the game, such as a feature game. In another example, after afeature game is triggered, the game controller 202 initiates a featuregame using different reels to those used in the base game. Depending onthe embodiment, the trigger may be the configurable symbol triggerdescribed above or some other trigger, e.g., a symbol combination. Inthis example, in the feature game, individual reels are associated witheach of the symbol display positions. That is, if there are fifteensymbol display positions, fifteen reels are used. Each of the reelscomprises a mixture of non-configurable symbols and configurablesymbols. Before the free games, the configurable symbol counter is setto zero and none of the configurable symbols that trigger the free gameare held over to the free game. In the first free game, the symbolselector determines stopping positions for all of the reels. If any ofthe reels are stopped with a configurable symbol in place, thatconfigurable symbol is held in position by holding/locking the reel(i.e. not spinning the reels in a subsequent free game). That is, insubsequent free games, only the reels corresponding to symbol positionswhere a configurable symbol has not been displayed are re-spun. Eachconfigurable symbol is assigned a value by value assigner by selecting aprize value from a set of prize values. The set of prize values fromwhich values are selected depends on the player's wager in the basegame. As in the example, described above, a player is awarded the sum ofthe values of the configurable symbols at the end of the free games andmay be awarded an additional prize such as a jackpot prize depending onwhat value the counter reaches during the free games.

In various embodiments, the prize value of each of the configurablesymbols is predetermined on the basis of a selected wager amount and/orselected denomination value. In various embodiments, the prize value ofeach of the configurable symbols is determined by the game controller202 in response to a wager. In certain of these embodiments, the prizevalue may be determined on the basis of the selected wager amount and/orselected denomination.

In another example, the configurable symbol may have an alternativevisual representation, for example, a door which opens once theconfigurable symbol is displayed in a display position to reveal theassigned prize value.

As indicated above, the method may be embodied in program code. Theprogram code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on atangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memorydevice, e.g. an EEPROM, (for example, that could replace part of memory103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from aserver).

Further, different parts of the program code can be executed bydifferent devices, for example in a client server relationship. Personsskilled in the art will appreciate that program code provides a seriesof instructions executable by the processor.

Repeater Symbols & Mystery Symbols

FIGS. 8A to 8M are screen shots of a display, such as the primary gamedisplay 240, at different phases during play of a base game and anensuing feature game according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Instead of a pearl as described above, the configurablesymbol in this embodiment is illustrated as a rectangle overlying adiamond. As will be appreciated, the configurable symbols can take avariety of other forms in accordance with the theme of the underlyinggame.

In this embodiment, there may be multiple types of configurable symbols,including value symbols 802 (see, e.g., FIG. 8B), repeater symbols 804(see, e.g., FIG. 8H), mystery symbols 806 (see, e.g., FIG. 8B), andjackpot symbols 808 (see, e.g., FIG. 8B). Each value symbol 802 displaysa numeric value, e.g., a number of credits or currency. The repeatersymbol 804 and mystery symbol 806 each display a respective genericsymbol but no associated value. In the illustrated embodiment, therepeater symbol 804 displays a tree and the mystery symbol 806 displaysquestion marks. Each jackpot symbol 808 displays the name of aparticular jackpot, e.g., a MINI jackpot 820, MINOR jackpot 822, MAXIjackpot 824, MAJOR jackpot 826 or GRAND jackpot 828.

In various embodiments, there may be different levels of theconfigurable symbol that allow a player to play for different payoutlevels, for example. The illustrated embodiment, for example, includes 5different levels of configurable symbols that are designated bydifferent colored configurable symbols, namely, blue configurablesymbols 810, purple configurable symbols 812, green configurable symbols814, red configurable symbols 816, and gold configurable symbols 818.

The color level that is played during a game may be selected based on aplayer input, such as a betting denomination or an ante bet. In anembodiment, the player places a base bet and in addition may make anante bet, where the amount of the ante bet entitles the player toincreased values on the value symbols and/or different levels ofconfigurable symbols. In the illustrated embodiment, there are fivedifferent ante bets where each is associated with a different coloredconfigurable symbol. Larger ante bets entitle the player to configurablesymbols with larger credit values and larger jackpot symbols. Forexample, a first ante bet amount may be associated with blueconfigurable symbols that carry values up to 2000 credits and MINIjackpot symbols, a second ante bet amount may be associated with purpleconfigurable symbols that carry values up to 3000 credits and MINORjackpot symbols, a third ante amount bet may be associated with greenconfigurable symbols that carry values up to 5000 credits and MAXIjackpot symbols, a fourth ante bet amount may be associated with redconfigurable symbols that carry values up to 5000 credits and MAJORjackpot symbols, and a fifth ante bet amount may be associated with goldconfigurable symbols that carry values up to 7000 credits and Grandjackpot symbols. Other ranges of values may be used, as will suggestitself. Thus, the player makes an ante bet that causes the reels tocarry configurable symbols in a particular range of values.

In addition, the player may select a particular denomination from aplurality of denominations. For example, the player may select adenomination of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents or 10 cents. In someembodiments, the number of configurable symbols required to trigger thefeature game may vary depending on the denomination selected by theplayer. For example, a selection of a denomination of 1 cent or 2 centsmay require 6 configurable symbols to appear in the base outcome inorder to trigger the feature game, while a denomination selection of 5cents or 10 cents may cause the feature game to be triggered when 5configurable symbols appear in the base game outcome.

Alternatively, the selection of the denomination may provide some kindof incentive with respect to some element of the game. For example, aselection of a high denomination may add a new jackpot to the game, ormay add more spins to the feature game.

Alternatively, when an ante bet is made, rather than providingconfigurable symbols of only one color level, e.g., blue, the ante betsmay provide multiple levels of configurable symbols, e.g., both blue andpurple. That is, an ante bet of 1 credit may cause a selection of blueconfigurable symbols; while an ante bet of 2 credits will cause aselection of both blue and purple configurable symbols; while an antebet of 3 credits will cause a selection of blue, purple, and greenconfigurable symbols. All 5 types of configurable symbols may beprovided with a particular ante bet.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the primary game display 240 during play ofthe base game. Briefly, the display 240 presents a game outcome using a3×5 display matrix 830, where each column represents a different reel832-840. The reels 832-840 are displayed as spinning and then stoppingto present the matrix of display symbols representing a game outcome.FIG. 8A illustrates the reels spinning and FIG. 8B illustrates the reelsin their stopped position to provide a base game outcome.

While the symbol matrix 830 is described in the context of a spinningreel game, it will be appreciated that symbol matrix 830 may be used inother types of games. For example, particularly in the context of avideo display, the symbol matrix 830 may be presented and populated bysymbols without providing any representation of reels spinning.

During play of the base game, the gaming device 200 may utilize one ormore paylines to determine whether the display matrix 830 contains anywinning symbol combinations. In particular, a gaming device 200 mayprovide one or more paylines and may allow the player to make a wager oneach payline in a play of the primary game. For example, the gamingdevice 200 may include 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 25, or some other number ofpaylines upon which the player may wager or otherwise activate. Thegaming device 200 may allow players to make wagers of substantiallydifferent amounts on each play of the primary or base game ranging, forexample, from one credit up to 125 credits (e.g., five credits on eachof 25 separate paylines).

The paylines may be horizontal (see, e.g., paylines 801 _(i), 801 ₂, 801₃ of FIG. 8B), vertical, circular, diagonal, angled, zigzagged, or anycombination thereof. Each payline identifies a subset of symbols ordisplay positions of the symbol matrix 830. For example, FIG. 8B depictsan embodiment having three horizontal paylines 801 ₁, 801 ₂, 801 ₃. Thetop payline 800 ₁ corresponds to the top row of display positions in thematrix. The center payline 800 ₂ corresponds to the center row ofdisplay positions in the matrix. The bottom payline 80 ₃ corresponds tothe bottom row of display positions. In some embodiments, paylines 801₁, 801 ₂, 801 ₃ are selectively activated based on, for example, aplayer's wager or gaming outcomes. In such embodiments, the gamingdevice 200 may only award prizes or trigger game events based on symbolsaligned with activated paylines 801 ₁, 801 ₂, 801 ₃.

The value of the mystery symbol may be determined and revealed at anytime following its appearance in a game outcome. For example, in someembodiments, mystery symbols may be available during both the base gameand the feature game. If a mystery symbol appears as part of atriggering game outcome in a base game, its value may be determined andrevealed prior to initiation of the feature game so that the determinedvalue of the mystery symbol may be included in the values accumulated todetermine the repeater prize value. Alternatively, in some embodiments,the value of one or more of the mystery symbol(s) may not be determinedand revealed until the feature game is completed.

In some embodiments, the value of the mystery symbol may be determinedusing a first valuation game, which may, for example, be in the form ofa first spinning wheel game. The first spinning wheel game may bepresented via a spinning wheel display 946 (See, e.g., FIG. 9A). Thefirst spinning wheel display 946 includes a segmented wheel 948, whereeach wheel segment displays a numeric value (e.g., a number of creditsor currency) or a jackpot label (e.g., MINI, MINOR, MAXI, MAJOR, GRAND).The wheel 948 is shown as spinning and stopping (randomly) at one of thesegments to indicate the value that is to be awarded for the mysterysymbol. The indicated value is then used to replace the question markson one or more of the displayed mystery symbols. The spins during thefirst spinning wheel game may occur automatically or the player may beprompted to spin the wheel. In some embodiments, a single randomdetermination (e.g., wheel spin) may be used to set the value for all ofthe displayed mystery symbols. Alternatively, the values of each mysterysymbol may be separately determined or determined in subgroups. In someembodiments, the first spinning wheel display 946 (or other valuationgame) may be displayed to the player on the secondary game display 242,for example. Alternatively, the first spinning wheel display 946 (orother valuation game) may be presented on the primary display 240, forexample.

In other embodiments, the value of the mystery symbols may be set inother ways. For example, there may be a player skill feature where theskill level of the player is determined or is based on particular dataregarding the particular player, and the value of the mystery symbol isset accordingly. Also, a selection mechanic may be used to determine thevalue of the mystery symbol where a quantity of selections are displayedto the player and the player may select one or more of the displayedselections via the input device. Further, in various embodiments, thevalue of the mystery symbol may be randomly determined without anyplayer input or a valuation game. Also, different levels of mysterysymbols may be used, such that some levels are of higher average valuethan others. For example, red mystery symbols may use a red wheel withlower average values and gold mystery symbols may use a gold wheel withhigher average values.

As discussed above, a Hold & Spin feature game is triggered when adetermined number of configurable symbols appear in the outcome of abase game. For illustration purposes, a feature game is triggered whensix (6) of the configurable symbols appear in the base game outcome.Accordingly, in addition to evaluating the base game outcomes forwinning symbol combinations, the gaming device 200 also evaluates thebase game outcome to determine whether the base game outcome triggersthe feature game, e.g., because it includes at least six (6)configurable symbols. In this regard, the base game outcome shown inFIG. 8B triggers the feature game because it includes 6 (six)configurable symbols, in the form of a mystery symbol 806, a MINIjackpot symbol 808 and four value symbols 802 (10 credits, 10 credits,10 credits and 20 credits).

As discussed above, the configurable symbols may also include repeatersymbols whose value is not determined until a feature game is triggered.When a feature game is triggered, the gaming device 200 determines thevalue of repeater prize to be assigned to the repeater symbols based onthe value(s) of one or more of the configurable symbols that triggeredthe feature game. In a preferred embodiment, the value of the repeaterprize is determined by summing (accumulating) the values of theconfigurable symbols that triggered the feature game.

In various embodiments, the value of the repeater prize is determined bysumming some of the values of the configurable symbols that triggeredthe feature game. In various other embodiments, the value of therepeater prize is determined by summing some or all of the values of theconfigurable symbols that are displayed at the conclusion of the featuregame. In some of these embodiments, a multiplier may be randomlydetermined, predetermined, selected by a player using a selectionmechanic, determined using a skill or pseudo-skill game.

In various embodiments, the feature game is triggered with configurablesymbols except with the repeater symbol. During play of the featuregame, one or more repeater symbols can be displayed. The value of therepeater prize can then be determined when the repeater symbol is firstdisplayed in the feature game by summing the prize values of all of theother configurable symbols displayed in the feature game when therepeater symbol is first displayed.

When the triggering symbols include one or more mystery symbols, as inthe illustrated example, the gaming device may determine the value(s) ofany mystery symbols, e.g., via the first valuation game, beforedetermining the value of the repeater prize. In this regard, the valueof the mystery symbol 806 has been updated in FIG. 8C to reflect theawarding of a MINI jackpot by the mystery symbol valuation game.Accordingly, in the example, the value of the repeater prize is 3050credits, which is the sum (1500+1500+10+10+10+20) of the six (6)configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. (Note, in theillustrated embodiment, the MINI jackpot has a value of $15.00 and thegame is a 1 cent game where each credit has a value of 1 cent.Accordingly, the MINI jackpot symbol has a corresponding value of 1500credits).

An animation may be provided to visually display the credits beingaccumulated (or summed) from the triggering symbols to determine thevalue of the repeater prize during the ensuing feature game. Forexample, as is shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the animation may displayrockets (not shown) or other elements sequentially moving from eachrespective configurable symbol to a repeater prize meter 846. When arespective rocket reaches the meter, it may explode and the value fromthe originating configurable symbol may be added to the repeater prizemeter. For example, in FIG. 8C, a rocket moves from a MINI jackpot prizesymbol 808 to the repeater prize meter 846 where it explodes. FIG. 8Dshows the repeater prize meter 846 updated to reflect that the 1500credits (the value of the MINI jackpot) have been accumulated towardsthe repeater prize. The animation may continue with rockets shootingfrom each of the individual configurable symbols until all of thecredits have been accumulated to the repeater prize meter, see e.g.,FIG. 8E where the repeater prize meter 846 displays 3050 credits.

The game then transitions to the feature game. FIG. 8F is a screen shotof a transition screen that may be shown on the display 240 whentransitioning from the base game to the feature game. The transitionscreen may prompt the player to make an input, such as to press a startbutton to begin the feature game.

FIGS. 8G to 8M are screen shots illustrating play of the feature game.The feature game is in the form of a Hold & Spin game in which anyconfigurable symbols from the triggering game outcome are retained onthe display and the player is awarded an additional number of spins(e.g., 6 in the illustrated example) during which the player tries toaccumulate more of the configurable symbols. The display includes a spincounter 858 that displays an indication of the number of spins remainingin the feature game. The display may also include a configurable symbolcounter 852 (See, e.g., FIG. 8H) that displays the number ofconfigurable symbols that have been collected by the player. Theconfigurable symbol counter may be initially set following thetriggering game outcome and may be updated following each spin duringthe feature game.

FIG. 8G shows the reels 832-840 spinning during a first spin of thefeature game. As shown, the configurable symbols that appeared in thetriggering game outcome are held in place on the display while the reelsare shown spinning in the other symbol positions. FIG. 8H illustratesreels 832-840 in their stopped position to provide a game outcomefollowing the first spin of the feature game. As shown in FIG. 8H, thefirst spin has resulted in the award of two additional configurablesymbols, namely, a 20 credit value symbol 802 and a repeater symbol 804.The repeater symbol 804 may be modified to display its value (3050credits in this example) before the next spin. For example, as is shownin FIGS. 8I and 8J, an animation 850 may display a rocket (now shown) orother element moving from the repeater prize meter 846 to the repeatersymbol 804 where it explodes to reveal the repeater symbol modified todisplay its value. When a spin results in the award of more than onerepeater symbol, the repeater symbols may be modified simultaneously orsequentially to display their values.

The player is then prompted to initiate a second spin of the featuregame. During the second spin, the configurable symbols that werepreviously awarded (collected) are held in place on the display matrixand the reels are shown spinning in the other symbol positions of thedisplay matrix. FIG. 8K shows the display during the second spin of thefeature game, and FIG. 8L shows the reels in their stopped position toprovide a game outcome following the second spin of the feature game. Asshown in FIG. 8L, the second spin has resulted in the award of twoadditional configurable symbols, namely, another repeater symbol 804 anda mystery symbol 806. As discussed above, the value of the mysterysymbol may be determined using a valuation game, such as a spinningwheel game. (See, e.g., FIG. 9).

FIG. 8M shows the display after the repeater and mystery symbols thatwere awarded during the second spin have been modified to show theirdetermined values, e.g., 3050 credits for the repeater symbol and 30credits for the mystery symbol.

The feature game continues in the manner described until all of thespins have been completed. Once the feature game is completed, thecontroller determines and pays out a feature game award. For example, ifthe matrix 830 is not fully populated with configurable symbols, theplayer may be awarded a prize amount corresponding to the accumulatedvalue of the displayed configurable symbols.

In various embodiments, if the display matrix 330 is completely filledwith configurable symbols, the player may be awarded an enhanced award.In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be a fixed prize such as a2× multiplier of the accumulated value or the award of a jackpot, suchas the Grand jackpot. In some embodiments, the enhanced award may bedetermined via a second valuation game. The second valuation game may besimilar to the first valuation game, but may provide different and/orenhanced values from those used in the first valuation game. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 9B, the second valuation game may be conductedusing a second spinning wheel display 950 with a segmented wheel 952that may include multipliers (i.e. 2× or 3×) or multipliers withjackpots (i.e. 2× +Grand or 3×+ Major). The multiplier value indicatedby the spin of the second spinning wheel display affects the sum totalvalue of all “hold” value symbols collected in the Hold & Spin game(i.e. “2×” will double the sum total value); the jackpot enhances theHold & Spin award by the amount of the jackpot (i.e. $50, $500 or $5000will be added to the sum total value).

In certain embodiments, once the play of all the spins of the featuregame is completed, the gaming device 200 may determine whether toprovide an additional quantity of spins of the feature game. In one ormore embodiments, the gaming device 200 can randomly select theadditional quantity of spins to be provided. In certain otherembodiments, the gaming device 200 can present a quantity of picks andreceive player input. The selected pick is then revealed by the gamingdevice 200 and the additional quantity of spins corresponding to theplayer pick is provided. In certain embodiments, the gaming device 200can first determine whether to provide the additional quantity of spinsand then do a second determination to determine the quantity to beprovided. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there arevarious ways, such as a wheel game, etc., that may be used to determineand present the additional quantity of plays.

Exemplary play of the base and feature game with repeater and mysterysymbols will now be described with additional reference to the flowchartshown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. At 1002, the gaming device 200 may establishan associated credit value on a credit meter. To this end, a player mayinsert a physical item having monetary value into a credit inputmechanism, such as the ticket reader 224 or bill validator 234, of thegaming device 200. In response to the received physical item, the gamingdevice 200 may increase a credit value of the credit meter 815 (see FIG.8A) based on the monetary value of the physical item.

At 1004, the gaming device 200 may receive a wager and may activate oneor more paylines, such as paylines 801 ₁, 801 ₂, 801 ₃. For example, insome embodiments, the gaming device 200 allows the player to selectivelyactivate a number of paylines via the player input buttons 236. In otherembodiments, the paylines may be automatically activated by the gamingdevice 200 without player input. A player may also use the player inputbuttons 236 to specify a value of an amount to be wagered on each activepayline with the wager being funded by the credit value of the creditmeter.

The gaming device 200 may display a message such as “Press SPIN to play”in a message box, e.g., on the primary game display 240. When the playerpresses a SPIN button, e.g., in the player input buttons 236, the gamingdevice 200, at 1006, may decrease the player's credit balance by thespecified wager and initiate play of a spinning reel game by spinningreels 832-840. (See, e.g. FIG. 8A).

Next, at 1008, the gaming device 200 may stop the reels 832-840 based onone or more random values generated by RNG 212 to obtain a base gameoutcome comprising a matrix 830 of symbols. (See, e.g., FIG. 8B). Inother embodiments, the gaming device 200 may stop the reels 832-840based on information received from central determination gaming systemserver 106.

The gaming device 200, at 1010, may then determine whether the symbolsdisplayed in the symbol matrix 830 include one or more winning symbolcombination. For example, at 1010, the gaming device 200 may determineif there are any winning combinations of symbols along one of theactivated paylines. Winning symbol combinations along the activatedpaylines may result in the award of prize(s) by increasing the creditvalue of the credit meter based on the prize(s) for such winningcombination(s).

At 1012, the gaming device 200 may adjust the credit balance on thecredit meter 535 in accordance with any winning symbol combinations thatwere identified in 1010. The gaming device 200 may also control thedisplay 240 to provide a message reflective of the game outcome. Forexample, when the game outcome includes one or more winning symbolcombinations, the display 240 may display a message such as“Congratulations—You Won X Credits!” (where X is the number of creditswon by the player). Conversely, when the game outcome does not includeany winning symbol combinations, a message such as “Sorry—You Didn'tWin—Spin Again” may be displayed to the player.

At 1014, the gaming device 200 determines whether a feature triggeringevent occurred. The game triggering event may occur, for example, on theoccurrence of a predetermined combination of symbols, or at random, orby some other process. As discussed above, in the embodiment of FIGS.8A-8I, a feature game is triggered by the appearance of 6 or moreconfigurable symbols in a base game outcome. For example, the base gameoutcome shown in FIG. 8B triggers the feature game because it includesat least six (6) configurable, i.e., symbols, in the form of a mysterysymbol, a MINI jackpot symbol, and four value symbols (10 credits, 10credits, 10 credits, and 20 credits). When a trigger event occurs, thegaming device 200 displays a message such as “Congratulations, YouTriggered The HOLD & SPIN FEATURE Game” on the primary game display 240.In various embodiments, the minimum number of configurable symbolsneeded to trigger the feature game may be predetermined, randomlydetermined, based on a wager amount, or based on a denomination, etc.

If the feature game is not triggered, the process returns to 1004 toallow the player to continue playing the base game. Alternatively, whena feature trigger occurs, the gaming device 200 may transition to afeature game as described below.

Prior to transitioning to the feature game, the gaming device 200 may,at 1016 and 1018, determine the value(s) of any mystery symbols thatwere displayed in the base game outcome that triggered the feature game.As discussed above, the gaming device 200 may determine the values to beassigned to the mystery symbols using a valuation game that may bedisplayed, for example, on the spinning wheel display 946 (see, e.g.,FIG. 9A). Upon determining values for any displayed mystery symbols, thegaming device 200 may cause the display 240 to replace the mysterysymbols with their respective determined values. (See, e.g., FIGS. 8Band 8C, which illustrate the mystery symbol 806 being updated to MINIjackpot symbol). Although not illustrated, an animation may be shownwhen updating the display matrix 830 to show values assigned to mysterysymbols.

At 1019, the gaming device 200 determines the repeater prize value andsets the repeater prize meter 846 in accordance with the determinedvalue. In the illustrated embodiment, the repeater prize value isdetermined as the sum of the configurable symbols (including thedetermined value of any mystery symbols) that triggered the featuregame. Accordingly, in the above example, the repeater prize meter 846 isset to 3050 credits, which is the sum (1500+1500+10+10+10+20) of the six(6) configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. (See, e.g.,FIG. 8E).

Before beginning the Hold & Spin feature game, the gaming device 200also resets the spin counter 858 to its starting value at 1020. In theillustrated embodiment, the feature game provides 6 rounds/spins, so thespin counter 858 is reset to indicate that this is spin 1 of 6.

In transitioning from the base game to the feature game, the gamingdevice 200 may cause the display 240 to provide a transition screen.(See, e.g., FIG. 8F). When the player presses a Start Feature button,e.g., on the player input buttons 236, the game transitions the display240 to present the Hold & Spin feature game. (See, e.g., FIG. 8G).

The gaming device 200 may display a message such as “Press SPIN to Play”on the display 240. When the player presses the SPIN button, the gamingdevice 200, at 1024, controls the symbol matrix 830 to show reels310A-310E as spinning (see, e.g., FIG. 8G) and stopping (based on one ormore random values generated by RNG 212) to obtain a game outcome. (See,e.g., FIG. 8H). As noted above, the symbol set in the feature gameutilizes configurable and non-configurable symbols.

The gaming device 200, at 1026, may then determine whether the featuregame outcome from the first spin includes any new configurable symbols.In the illustrated example, the first spin has resulted in the award oftwo additional configurable symbols, namely, a 20 credit value symbol802 and a mystery symbol 806. (See FIG. 8H).

Next, at 1028, any configurable symbols shown in the game outcome areheld on the symbol matrix 830.

At 1030, the gaming device 200 determines if the game outcome includesany mystery symbols. If no mystery symbols are present, control moves to1034. Conversely, if the displayed game outcome incudes one or moremystery symbols, control moves to 1032 where the gaming device 200determines the value(s) to be assigned to the mystery symbols. The valueof the mystery symbol may, for example, be determined using a valuationgame, such as the first spinning wheel game. (See, e.g., FIG. 9A).

At 1033, the gaming device 200 determines if the spin resulted in theaward of any new repeater symbols. Any new repeater symbols 804 may bemodified to display its value (3050 credits in this example) before thenext spin. (See, e.g., FIGS. 8I and 8J). As noted above, when a spinresults in the award of more than one repeater symbol, the repeatersymbols may be modified simultaneously or sequentially to display theirvalues

At 1034, the gaming device increments the configurable symbol counter852 to reflect the number of configurable symbols that have beencollected thus far by the player. Next, at 1036, the gaming device 200optionally increments the feature game spin counter 858.

Next, at 1036, the gaming device 200 optionally increments the featuregame spin counter 858. At 1038, the gaming device 200 determines if thefeature game is over. Specifically, the feature game ends in thisexample if no spins remain or if the matrix 330 has been filed withconfigurable symbols.

If the feature game is not over, control returns to 1024 where thegaming device 200 waits for the player to press the spin button togenerate another feature game outcome. The feature game continues in themanner described until all of the spins have been completed or thedisplay matrix is filled with configurable symbols.

Once the feature game is completed, control moves to 1040 where thegaming device 200 determines the award to be paid to the player inconnection with the feature game. If the matrix is not completely filledwith configurable symbols, the award may be determined by summing thecredits of the configurable symbols that were awarded and held duringthe feature game. An enhanced award may be provided for completelyfilling the matrix 830 with configurable symbols. In some embodiments,the enhanced award may be a fixed prize such as a 2× multiplier of theaccumulated value. In some embodiments, the enhanced award may bedetermined via a second valuation game, such as the second spinningwheel game. (See, e.g., FIG. 9B).

Upon determining the award, control moves to 1042 where the gamingdevice 200 pays out any awards to the player, e.g., by adding theawarded credits to the credit balance on the credit meter 535. Next, at1044, the gaming device 200 clears the held configurable symbols andcontrol returns to 1002 where the player may continue to play the basegame.

Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that (1) the number ofconfigurable symbols required to trigger the feature game; (2) thenumber of free games awarded; (3) number of decrements of free gamecounter; (4) the number of configurable symbols that have to bedisplayed to win a prize or jackpot in the feature game; (5) themultiplier to apply; and (6) the value of the mystery symbol; (7) theadditional quantity of spins; (8) the prize value of the configurablesymbols; or (9) any other determination or variable described orcontemplated in the present disclosure may at least in part be (a)randomly determined; (b) predetermined; (c) determined based on a wageramount and/or level; (d) centrally determined; (e) determined based on agenerated symbol or symbol combinations; (f) determined based on playerselection; (g) determined based on player skill; (h) determined based ona side wager or ante bet; (i) determined based on a status of theplayer; (j) determined as a combination of two or more determinationsdisclosed herein; etc.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein,such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art formsa part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.,to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a credit input mechanism; a memorydevice storing data indicative of a set of symbols, the set of symbolsincluding a plurality of configurable symbols and a plurality ofnon-configurable symbols; and a controller executing instructions storedin the memory device which cause the controller to at least: uponreceipt of a physical item by the credit input mechanism, establish acredit balance based, at least in part, on a monetary value associatedwith the physical item, the credit balance being increasable anddecreasable based at least on wagering activity; select a wager fundedby the credit balance based on input received via a player interface ofthe gaming machine; initiate play of a base game based on input receivedvia the player interface; generate an outcome by spinning a plurality ofvirtual reels displayed by a display device to select and display aplurality of symbols at a plurality of display positions on the displaydevice, wherein the plurality of symbols are selected from theconfigurable symbols and the non-configurable symbols; initiate afeature game with an initial quantity of spins when a triggering numberof configurable symbols are displayed in the outcome; for each spin ofthe initial quantity of spins of the feature game: keep eachconfigurable symbol at its corresponding display position; and selectand display replacement symbols for non-configurable symbols in aplurality of display positions not occupied by the kept configurablesymbols; determine whether a mystery symbol is displayed at any of theplurality of display positions; in response to determining that amystery symbol is displayed, determine a value for the mystery symbol;and award a feature game award based at least in part on a value of eachof the configurable symbols kept in the plurality of display positions.2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions further causethe controller to: display a wheel comprising a plurality of sections,each of the plurality of sections having a corresponding value; anddetermine the value of the mystery symbol by selecting one of theplurality of sections of the wheel, wherein the value of the mysterysymbol is the corresponding value of the selected section.
 3. The gamingmachine of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause thecontroller to: after the initial quantity of spins of the feature gameare completed, determine, an extra quantity of spins of the featuregame; and for each spin of the extra quantity of spins of the featuregame: hold each configurable symbol at its corresponding displayposition; and select and display replacement symbols fornon-configurable symbols in the plurality of display positions.
 4. Agaming machine comprising: a memory device storing data indicative of aset of symbols, the set of symbols including a plurality of configurablesymbols and a plurality of non-configurable symbols, the plurality ofconfigurable symbols including a mystery symbol whose value is notassigned until after the mystery symbols appears in a game outcome; anda controller executing instructions stored in the memory device whichcause the controller to at least: display a plurality of symbols fromthe set of symbols in response to a wager; determine a prize value basedat least in part on the displayed plurality of symbols; trigger afeature game in response to determining that the displayed plurality ofsymbols include a number of configurable symbols; and in response totriggering the feature game: display a retaining of any configurablesymbols on the display; replace each non-configurable symbol, if any,with a symbol selected from the set of symbols; and determine the valueof the mystery symbol, if any.
 5. The gaming machine of claim 4, whereinthe instructions further cause the controller to randomly determine thevalue of any mystery symbol.
 6. The gaming machine of claim 4, whereinthe value of the mystery symbol is determined after the feature game iscompleted.
 7. The gaming machine of claim 4, wherein the value of themystery symbol is determined using a wheel game.
 8. The gaming machineof claim 4, wherein the instructions further cause the controller todetermine an award of the feature game based at least in part on a sumof values of the configurable symbols displayed at a completion of thefeature game.
 9. The gaming machine of claim 4, wherein: the featuregame includes a quantity of spins, and for each spin in the quantity ofspins: each displayed non-configurable symbol, if any, is replaced witha symbol selected from the set of symbols; and each displayedconfigurable symbol is held for a remainder of the quantity of spins.10. A method comprising: receiving, with a credit input mechanism of agaming machine, a physical item representing a monetary value toestablish a credit balance; selecting a wager funded by the creditbalance based on input received via a player interface of the gamingmachine; initiating play of a base game based on input received via theplayer interface; spinning a plurality of virtual reels displayed by adisplay device of the gaming machine to select and display a pluralityof symbols at a plurality of display positions on the display device,wherein the plurality of symbols are selected from configurable symbolsand non-configurable symbols, the plurality of configurable symbolsincluding a mystery symbol whose value is not assigned until after themystery symbols appears in a game outcome; initiating a feature gamewith an initial quantity of spins when a triggering number ofconfigurable symbols are displayed; for each spin of the feature game:holding each configurable symbol at its corresponding display position;and selecting and displaying replacement symbols for non-configurablesymbols in the plurality of display positions; determining whether amystery symbol is displayed at the plurality of display positions; inresponse to determining that a mystery symbol is displayed, determininga value for the mystery symbol; and awarding a feature game award basedat least in part on a value of each of the configurable symbols held inthe plurality of display positions.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe value of any displayed mystery symbol is randomly determined. 12.The method of claim 10, wherein the value of any mystery symbols isdetermined prior to the feature game.
 13. The method of claim 10,further comprising conducting a first valuation game to determine thevalue any displayed mystery symbol.
 14. The method of claim 10, whereinthe value of any displayed mystery symbol is separately determined. 15.The method of claim 10, further comprising awarding an enhanced awardwhen a predetermined number of configurable symbols are collected duringplay of a feature game.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the enhancedaward is determined by a second valuation game.
 17. The method of claim10, further comprising for each spin of the feature game, reducing aquantity of games remaining by at least one when the replacement symbolsdo not include at least one configurable symbol.
 18. The method of claim17, further comprising for each spin of the feature game, resetting thequantity of games remaining in the feature game to the initial quantitywhen the replacement symbols include at least one configurable symbol.19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: after the initialquantity of spins of the feature game are completed, determining, anextra quantity of spins of the feature game; and for each spin of theextra quantity of spins of the feature game: holding each configurablesymbol at its corresponding display position; and selecting anddisplaying replacement symbols for non-configurable symbols in theplurality of display positions.